EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Information Science and Technologies
Benefit from our world-leading expertise in the field of quantum technologies and become ‘quantum ready’.
A new offer
The University of Sussex, in partnership with the University of Bristol, has launched the new EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Information Science and Technologies (QIST) funded via the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
Developed and delivered by a leading team of academics and industrial partners, this centre will provide unique cross-disciplinary training in experimental and theoretical quantum information and quantum technologies. It will also provide specialised training in entrepreneurship, project management, collaborative working, responsible research and innovation (RRI), science policy and communication skills.
What you get
The new centre offers a four-year programme with scholarships covering:
- a maintenance allowance above UK Research Council rates
- PhD fees
- a research and training allowance.
Quantum PhD project
Whether you’re an engineer with an interest in quantum computing, a physicist with a passion for practical technologies or a mathematician with an aptitude for experimental work, this new centre is the next step to a successful career in quantum technologies.
Our EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Information Science and Technologies welcomes candidates with backgrounds in physics, mathematics, engineering and computer science.
This programme is the next step towards a successful career in quantum technologies, in areas such as:
- developing and constructing practical quantum computers
- developing quantum algorithms and quantum error correction
- developing quantum networks
- building and testing quantum sensors
- learning and demonstrating the modelling power of quantum simulators.
Our programme
The four-year programme has been designed by leading academics and industry partners and includes a broad range of taught modules at Sussex and at Bristol in year one, leading to a three-year research project phase.
Postgraduate researchers at Sussex will benefit from:
- guided and self-inspired learning with a broad range of PhD research projects available
- experience of practical application as well as a sound theoretical understanding of quantum physics
- developing complementary skills – such as commercialisation and science communication – necessary for academic and industrial excellence
- access to an international network of world-class academic and industrial collaborators
- the possibility of industry trips abroad to visit companies and research labs working in the quantum field
- financial support for academic and industrial secondments
- opportunity and funding to attend international and national conferences
- a cohort approach to learning, enabling students to learn from each other in a rapidly evolving field
- access to a broad technology base and state-of-the-art facilities at Sussex and Bristol.
Eligibility
Applicants should have an upper-second class degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent qualification) such as physics, engineering or mathematics. We particularly encourage applicants who wish to pursue an experimental PhD project.
Applicants must have lived in the UK for at least three years prior to the beginning of the degree.
Scholarships are available for both UK and International candidates. Candidates for whom English is not their first language will require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in any section. Full details about the English language requirements are available.
Applications are particularly welcomed from candidates with protected characteristics, e.g. from Black and other ethnic minorities who are under-represented in postgraduate research at our institution.
There is a four-year scholarship available for this course in Quantum Information Science and Technologies.
How to apply
Please follow the guidelines below on how to apply to our new four-year QIST PhD programme.
Apply on our Postgraduate Admissions system:
- Start a new application and choose Physics (PhD) start date September 2024.
- In the “Finances/Funding” field write “QIST PhD” .
- Upload all required documents (CV, personal statement, degree certificates and transcripts and English Language Certificate if applicable).
Deadline for applications
Applications must be received by 11.45pm on 17 April 2024.
Visit and interview days for applicants will take place in the week commencing 6 May 2024.
Formal offers for successful candidates will be made in late May 2024.
Contact us
For further information about the QIST PhD programme at Sussex, contact Prof. Winfried Hensinger.
For questions about the application form, contact mps-pgrsupport@sussex.ac.uk.
Teaching by experts
This course will be taught by academics with excellent international reputations in quantum technology.
They are all research-active and have developed key concepts and applications in this area.
Professor of Quantum Computing and Entrepreneurship
Harnessing Sussex expertise in quantum
Sussex is known internationally for its strength in the breadth of quantum technologies it has expertise in. Students will have the added advantage of being able to make use of the expertise and opportunities of our partners at Bristol as part of the wider programme.
We are big players in the UK’s National Quantum Technology Programme and have strong international collaborations and links with industry. You will have the opportunity to work directly with our experts in undertaking original research.
An expanding sector
A 2023 report by the Boston Consulting group noted that quantum computing could provide up to $10bn in benefits worldwide within five years, with this number skyrocketing to $850bn over the next 15-30 years. Similar numbers are provided for quantum sensing ($5bn by 2030) and communication ($13bn by 2030).
Demand for quantum skills
Quantum technology is one of the UK Government’s five key strategic priorities, noting that “countries that develop and use quantum technologies will have advantages in terms of productivity, economic growth, health, sustainability, and national security and resilience”.
However, the training of graduates with the skills needed to grow this sector has been identified as a bottle-neck by the government. Overcoming this to maintain the UK’s pre-eminence in the field is seen as a priority.
Graduates from this course could be in high-demand for well-paid and interesting jobs that make meaningful contributions to society.